Gleaton’s accident occurred while on a hunting trip in St. George Island, Florida, where he sustained a severe brain injury. After undergoing emergency surgery to reduce swelling, he was hospitalized in the intensive care unit.

A special prayer service was held in his honor at Porterfield Methodist Church on December 11. The service took place from Noon to 1 p.m., with the Sanctuary remaining open until 3 p.m. for friends who came to pray for his recovery.

He earned All-Region and GISA All-Star honors, served as team captain, and played a key role in the 2019 State Champion track team. Coaches admired his selflessness, work ethic, and leadership, praising his dedication to his team’s success over personal accolades. Gleaton’s positive attitude and commitment made him a role model on and off the field.

After high school, Gleaton joined the UGA football program as a preferred walk-on, forming lasting bonds with his teammates through the sport he loved.

A proud member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity, Gleaton cherished the bond he shared with his brothers and the memories they created. He was set to graduate next spring from the Terry School of Business with a degree in marketing. Gleaton was excited to return to Albany to help manage his family farm alongside his father.

As a child, he often spoke of his love for tractors and his aspiration to follow in the footsteps of his father and grandfather as a farmer. Whether skiing in the mountains with family or enjoying hunting trips with friends, Gleaton found joy. He loved making lasting memories surrounded by the people and places he cherished.

He also participated in mission trips to Miami, the Bahamas, and local storm relief efforts, which deepened his faith and commitment to serving people. His dedication led to his nomination for the Student Leadership University by his youth pastor.

As an active participant in YoungLife, he cherished his small group gatherings and trips to Colorado and Sharp Top. These trips helped him build lasting bonds and enjoy meaningful Christian fellowship.

Known as “Gleat” to his close friends, he was described as magnetic and joyful, always brightening any room. These friends loved his humility, kindness, and empathy, and how Gleaton made others feel valued and important.

However, Gleaton’s heartfelt love went to his brother who was his best friend. Gleaton had a deep admiration for Cole and was incredibly proud of his personal and athletic achievements.

His obituary reads, “Aside from sports and hunting, Gleaton’s greatest passion was that of his younger brother, Cole. Of all of his talents, he excelled most as a brother.”

The obituary continues, “To Cole, Gleaton was a role model, a mentor, a protector, his biggest encourager, and his best friend. They shared the same walk, twinkling eyes, bright smiles, and a respect and devotion that is unique to brothers.”

Cole wrote, “To say you were loved will always be an understatement. I will forever be in debt for the paths you paved for me, and I’ll absolutely idolize you forever. You were my best friend and brother all in one.”